i£x  ICtbrtB 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

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Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


FUNERAL 


EULOGY, 

OCCASIONED  BY  THE   DEATH  OF 

GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

DELIVERED  FEBRUARY  Md,  1800, 

■ 

BEFORE  THE 

NEW-YORK    STATE  SOCIETY 

OF  THE 

CINCINNATI. 


By  WILLIAM   LINN,    D.  D. 


NEW-YORK: 

PRINTED    BY    ISAAC  COLLINS, 
NO.  189,   PEARL- STREET. 
l800. 


» 


« 


I 

© 


4 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  of  the 
Cincinnati  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
held  at  the  City  of  New-York  the  22d 
day  of  February,  1800. 

Resolved  unanimously, 

THAT  the  thanks  of  this  Society 
be  prefented  to  the  Rev.  William  Linn, 
D.  D.  for  the  eulogium  this  day  deliver- 
ed by  him  at  their  requefl  on  the  late 
General  WASHINGTON,  Prefident 
General  of  the  Society  of  the  Cincin- 
nati, and  that  a  copy  thereof  be  requeft- 
ed  for  publication.  This  Society,  in  tes- 
timony of  their  entire  approbation  of  the 
faid  eulogium,  and  as  a  tribute  to  the 
patriotifm  and  abilities  of  the  faid  Wil- 
liam Linn,  do  further  unanimoufly 
refolve,  that  he  the  faid  William  Linn 
be,  and  he  hereby  is  admitted  an  honora- 
ry Member  of  this  Society. 

Extract  from  the  Minutes , 

JOS.  HARDY,  Sec.  pro  tenu 


t 


To  the  Officers  and  Members  of 
the    New-York    State    Society   of  the 
Cincinnati. 

Gentlemen , 

TO  whom  can  I  more  properly  dedicate  the 
following  Eulogy  than  to  you  ?  >  Befidcs  that 
it  was  delivered,  and  is  now  publifed  at 
your  requef,  you  food  in  fever  al  endearing 
relations  to  the  illufrious  man  deceafed.  He 
was  your  Leader  in  war,  and  the  Prefident 
of  your  General  Society.  The  only  objeclion 
to  your  claim  of  chief  mourners  is,  that  none 
can  be  chief  where  all  our  citizens  fo  deeply 
lament^  and  where  the  wife  and  the  good  in 
every  part  of  the  world  fo  largely  partake 
in  the  grief 

When  you  honored  me  with  your  requefi, 
I  trembled.    Centuries  may  elapfe  before  fuch 
another  theme   occurs.      I  had,  certainly, 
Jhrunk  for  ever  from  the  mighty  tajk,  had 


vi  DEDICATION. 


not  your  partiality  impofcd  an  obligation 
which  I  could  not  refufe.  Few  have  been 
able  to  fuccced  in  this  fpecies  of  eloquence. 
The  more  exalted  the  fubjecl,  the  greater  the 
danger  of  failure ;  becaufe  the  public  expect- 
ation always  outruns  what  human  abilities 
can  perform.  In  the  prefent  cafe  the  difficul- 
ty was  increafed  by  the  Orations  and  Dlf- 
courfes  which  were  daily  ijfuing  from  the 
prefs. 

Affiured  of  your  indulgence ,  I  am,  Gen- 
tlemen, with  fentiments  of  gratitude  and 
high  refpeel, 

Tour  mofi  obedient 

And  mqfl  humble  Servant, 

WILLIAM  LINK 

New-York,  Feb.  22d,  1800. 


FUNERAL 


EULOGY. 


1  HIS  folemn  aflembly  and  thefe  fable 
enfigns  proclaim  no  common  grief.  Al- 
ready has  every  American  wept ;  already 
have  the  fad  funereal  proceffions  moved ; 
and  already  have  the  virtues  and  the  fer- 
vices  of  Washington  been  celebrated 
from  the  pulpit,  and  from  the  roftrum. 

Why  are  we  again  affembled  ?  And 
why  is  the  tomb  uncovered  ?  It  is  that  we 
may  all  take  another  look.    This  is  the 


8 


A  FUNERAL 


birth-day  of  the  beloved  man.  Was  there 
no  other  which  could  have  been  chofen 
than  that  on  which  we  have  fo  frequent- 
ly rejoiced  ?  It  is  kindly  intended  to  give 
indulgence  to  our  forrow,  to  teach  us  that 
no  character  is  exempt  from  the  ftroke  of 
death,  and  especially  to  induce  our  fub- 
miffion  to  the  will,  and  our  adoration  of 
that  Almighty  Being  who  "  gave  and 
"  who  hath  taken  away." 

We  find  from  the  earliefl  records  of 
time,  that  the  practice  has  been  ufual  in 
all  ages  and  in  all  nations,  of  honoring 
thofe  who  were  diftinguifhed  by  their 
excellence,  and  were  efteemed  public  blef- 
fings.  Trophies  have  been  decreed  to 
them  while  living,  and  at  their  deceafe, 
their  bodies  have  been  fome times  em- 
balmed ;  monuments,  elegies,  and  fune- 
ral orations  have  perpetuated  the  memory 
of  their  honorable  deeds. 

This  has  a  happy  tendency  to  enfure  a 
noble  and  virtuous  conduct,  and  to  excite 


EULOGY. 


9 


the  imitation  of  others.  The  love  of 
fame,  when  fubordinate  to  the  general 
good  of  mankind,  is  infeparable  from 
him  who  is  truly  great ;  and  he  carries 
his  views  beyond  the  grave  to  the  reward 
which  pofterity  {hall  beftow.  Were  there 
then  no  other  reafon  for  praifing  the  illuf- 
trious  dead,  this  would  be  fumcient. 

But  there  is  an  obligation  of  ftill  high- 
er moment.  Eminent  men  are  qualified 
for  their  work  by  God.  They  are  his 
fervants.  In  honoring  them,  we  honor 
Him.  It  is  true  that  the  Heathen  glori- 
fied not  God,  but  fubftituted  creatures 
in  Jiis  room  ;  and  there  is  danger  that 
even  we,  with  the  cleared  revelation,  may 
be  guilty  of  idolatry  in  not  lifting  up 
our  hearts  to  Him  from  whom  "  cometh 
"  down  every  good  gift,  and  every  per- 
"  feet  gift."  Let  us  afcribe  the  glory  to 
God,  and  we  may  fafely  extol  the  man 
whofe  lofs  this  day  we  deplore. 

America  claims  as  her  own,  one  who 

B 


lO 


A  FUNERAL 


was  juftly  the  admiration  of  the  world. 
And  {hall  fhe  be  filent  in  his  praife  ? 
Perhaps  filence  would  have  beft  exprefled 
the  merits  of  him* who  is  beyond  all  eu- 
logy.   The  language  of  mortals  can  with 
difficulty,  if  ever,  reach  fo  noble  a  theme. 
The  name  is  above  what  Grecian  or  Ro- 
man ftory  prefents,  and  it  would  require 
more  than  Grecian  or  Roman  eloquence 
to  do  it  juftice.    One  advantage  indeed 
it  poffeffes,  that  hardly  any  thing  can  be 
faid  which  will  be  thought  extravagant ; 
and  what  would,  in  other  cafes  be  deem- 
ed flattery,  will  fink  far  below  the  con- 
ceptions of  the  public  mind.  Flattery 
was  ever  confounded  in  the  prefence  of 
Washington,  nor  will  it  dare  to  ap*- 
proach  his  allies.    That  humility,  how- 
ever, which  was  the  conftant  ornamene 
of  his  virtues,  mould  not  now  obftrudt 
the  offerings  of  a  feeling  and  grateful 
people  at  his  ihrine.     Nay,  they  rufh 
with  greater  eagernefs  to  teftify  their 
fenfe  of  his  tranfcendent  and  inestimable 
worth. 


EULOGY. 


To  the  hiftorian  it  belongs  to  relate  in 
full,  the  birth,  the  education,  the  early, 
and  the  later  achievements  of  George 
Washington.  From  the  hiftoric  page, 
we  expect  a  minute  defcription  of  his  ci- 
vil and  military,  of  his  public  and  private 
life.  Though  a  limple  recital  of  thefe 
might  be  the  higheft  encomium,  and  it 
might  be  faid, 

"  RaisM  of  themfelves,  their  genuine  charms  the}'  boa  ft, 
"  And  thofe  who  paint  them  trued,  praife  them  mofr,"* 

yet  they  would  lead  the  fpeaker  into  too 
large  a  field ;  he  would  not  know  what 
to  feledt,  and  what  to  refufe,  where  all 
powerfully  folicited  his  regard.  Let  hif- 
tory  or  biography,  at  prefent,  ferve  only 
to  develope  and  illuflrate  the  character. 

When  God  in  his  adorable  providence 
intends  to  accomplifh  fome  glorious  work 
upon  earth,  he  provides  and  prepares  his 
inrtruments  among  the  children  of  men. 
Who  does  not  fee  that  Mofcs,  by  the 

*  Addifon's  Campaign- 


12 


A  FUNERAL 


manner  in  which  he  was  preferved,  the 
inftruction  which  he  received,  and  the 
habits  of  life  to  which  he  was  inured, 
was  fitted  to  lead  the  people  of  Ifrael  ? 
Who,  that  Cyrus,  had  we  not  been  ex- 
prefsly  informed,  was  "  girded  by  the 
"  Lord  ?"  The  intention  is  frequently 
hidden  from  the  perfons  themselves,  and 
may  not  be  obvious  to  others  ;  though 
they  will  fometimcs  difcern  prefages  of 
future  greatnefs.  Washington  was 
endued  from  his  youth  with  a  military 
fpirit.  When  a  {tripling,  like  David,  he 
encountered  the  enemies  of  his  country. 
His  firft  deftination  was  to  enter  as  a 
midfhipman  in  a  Britilh  veffel  of  war. 
This  was  happily  prevented,  that  fo,  in- 
ftead  of  the  Admiral,  he  might  become 
the  General.  He  gave  fuch  early  and  un- 
common indications  of  heroifm  as  occa- 
iioned  public  mention  of  him  by  an  emi- 
nent divine,  in  a  difcourfe  delivered  foon 
after  Braddock's  defeat.*    The  fubjedl 

*  The  Rev.  Samuel  Davics  then  fettled  in  Virginia,  and  afterwards 
Prcudcnt  of  the  College  of  New-jcrfey. 


EULOGY.  13 

was  religion  and  patriotifm.  "  As  a  re- 
"  markable  inftance,"  faid  he,  "  I  may 
"  point  out  to  the  public  that  heroic  youth 
"  Col.  Washington,  whom  I  cannot 
"  but  hope  Providence  has  hitherto  pre- 
"  ferved  in  fo  fignal  a  manner,  for  fome 
"  important  fervice  to  his  country."  We 
will  not  call  thefe  words  prophetic,  but 
they  have  been  repeatedly  quoted  as  a 
teftimony  of  the  budding  honors  of  the 
American  hero. 

God  prepared  his  fervant,  and  in  due 
time  opened  to  him  a  vaft  fcene,  on  which 
all  his  talents  had  their  utmoft  exertion, 
and  expanded  in  full  difplay.  It  having 
become  neceffary  for  America  to  oppole 
by  force  the  unjuft  pretenfions  of  Britain, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  great 
council,  and  foon  after  unanimoufly  ap- 
pointed Commander  in  chief  of  the  ar- 
mies. This  honor  his  modefty  forbade 
him  to  feek,  and  his  love  of  country 
would  not  allow  him  to  refufe.  The 
choice  was  directed  by  Heaven.    "  I  feel 


14 


A  FUNERAL 


"  great  diftrefs,"  faid  he  on  his  accept- 
ance of  the  command,  "  from  a  confciouC- 
"  nefs  that  my  abilities  and  military 
"  experience  may  not  be  equal  to  the 
"  exteniive  and  important  truft :  however, 
"  as  the  Congrefs  defire  it,  I  will  enter 
"  upon  the  momentous  duty,  and  exert 
"  every  power  I  poflefs  in  their  fervice, 
"  and  for  fupport  of  the  glorious  caufe." 
Modefty  ever  accompanies  great  merit ; 
and  diffidence  of  abilities,  when  it  cafts 
not  into  defpondency,  excites  vigilance, 
and  roufes  energies  of  foul  concealed 
from  the  poflefTor  himfelf. 

General  Washington  had  not  feen 
much  military  fervice,  and  what  he  had 
feen  was  on  a  fmall  fcale.  His  army  for 
a  long  time  was  undifciplined,  and  con- 
tinually changing  by  temporary  enlift- 
ments,  or  impatient  militia  ;  and  fome- 
times  he  had  fcarcely  the  fliadow  of  an 
army.  He  was  deftitute  of  the  necefla- 
ries  for  their  fupport,  and  of  the  inliru- 
ments  of  war.    He  was  called  to  create 


EULOGY.  15 

before  he  could  command.  In  this  filia- 
tion he  had  to  oppofe  the  numerous  and 
formidable  legions  of  Britain,  amply  fup- 
plied  with  all  the  apparatus  of  death,  and 
led  on  by  the  moft  renowned  generals. 
The  hero  of  Monongahela,  and  the  plant- 
er of  Potowmac,  nobly  enters  the  lift ; 
fnatches  the  laurels  which  had  been 
gathered  in  Europe  to  adorn  his  own 
brow. 

To  eftimate  properly  the  merits  of  a 
general,  we  muft  attentively  confider  the 
circumflances  in  which  he  is  placed,  and 
the  means  in  his  power.  The  American 
Leader  was  never  at  the  head  of  fuch  ar- 
mies as  cover  the  fields  of  Europe.  No  ; 
with  a  naked  and  diftrefled  handful,  he 
kept  the  enemy  in  terror ;  impofed  on 
them  by  a  parade  of  numbers  and 
ftrength  ;  now  fought  fecurity  in  retreat ; 
and  now  dared  the  fiffht ;  "  fwifter  than 
"  an  eagle  and  ftronger  than  a  lion."  He 
who  thus  baffled  the  acknowledged  ikill 
and  bravery  of  Britons,  would,  furniflied 


i6 


A  FUNERAL 


with  the  means  of  war,  march  to  the  re- 
motefl  ends  of  the  earth. 

We  are  willing  to  liften  to  the  higheft 
ftrains  in  favor  of  Britifh  valour,  becaufe 
thefe  redound  to  the  honor  of  our  Chief. 
Every  wreath  which  is  woven,  is  tranf- 
ferred  to  him.  Either  our  invaders  would 
not,  or  they  could  not  fubdue  us.  If  they 
would  not,  then  they  were  unfaithful  to 
their  truft  ;  if  they  could  not,  then  the 
barrier  was  the  American  arms.  Will 
any  rather  choofe  to  compromife  the  mat- 
ter, by  refolving  the  independence  of 
America  into  the  decree  of  Heaven  ? 
Great  God,  we  adore  thy  juft  decree  ! 
To  thee  was  the  appeal  made  !  Thou  didft 
fight  for  us  !  In  tranfport  we  cry,  "  The 
"  fword  of  the  Lord,  and  of  Gideon." 

Permit  me  to  fay  that  he  whofe  obfe- 
quies  we  perform,  had  advantages  which 
few  enjoy.  The  caufe  in  which  he  en- 
gaged was  of  the  moft  exalted  kind,  and 
he  was  deeply  penetrated  with  its  juftice 


EULOGY.  17 

and  importance.  He  undertook  not  from 
motives  of  ambition  or  gain,  but  from 
the  pure  love  of  country,  to  which  he 
continually  facrificed  his  eafe,  his  fafety, 
and  his  life. 

His  attention  to  the  duties  of  his  fta- 
tion  was  inceflant.  In  the  field  no  op- 
portunity efcaped  him  to  harafs  or  attack 
the  enemy ;  and  he  was  never  found  un- 
apprehenfive  of  their  deligns,  or  unpre- 
pared to  meet  them.  In  winter  quarters 
he  revolved  and  digefted  the  operations 
of  the  next  campaign.  He  was  not  feen 
indulging  in  the  amufements  of  a  theatre, 
diffipating  his  time  at  a  gaming  table,  or 
reclining  on  the  lap  of  a  Delilah.  His 
bed  at  camp  was  often  hard.  He  often 
lay  down  in  his  daily  drefs.*  His  horfe 
flood  equipped  near  him.  Or,  he  fat  in 
council.  Or,  he  examined  the  vigilance 
of  his  pofts.    Or,  he  penned  the  difpatch. 

*  The  night  after  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  he  "  repofed  liimfelf  in 
*  his  cloak,  under  a  tree,  in  hopes  of  renewing  the  a Cdon  the  next 
«  day."    PUmfay'i  Hiftory. 

C 


A  FUNERAL 


The  concerns  of  America  wholly  occu- 
pied his  mind.  Americans,  you  may  well 
love  him,  for  he  faved  you  much  blood 
and  treafure.  He  watched  for  your  fafe- 
ty  while  you  flept. 

His  patience  and  perfeverance  were 
unexampled.  To  be  obliged  to  retreat  is 
at  all  times  humiliating  to  a  general,  and 
dangerous  to  his  fame.  To  him  folely 
is  calamity  imputed.  Though  in  con- 
ducting a  retreat,  the  greateft  fkill  is  oft- 
en difplayed,  yet  this,  and  the  necefllty 
are  not  generally  known ;  and  a  people 
animated  with  the  love  of  liberty,  are  apt 
to  be  fufpicious.  Here  was  the  great  trial 
of  Washington,  and  here  a  principal 
trait  in  his  military  character.  He  re- 
treated from  Long  Ifland  in  the  face  of  a 
far  fuperior  foe.  He  retreated  from  New- 
York  ifland  in  the  face  of  total  ruin* 
And  he  carried  the  fmall  and  dejected 
remains  of  his  army ;  one  while  prefent- 
ing  a  feeble  front  to  the  enemy,  and  an- 
other while  retreating  ;  until  he  crofled 


EULOGY.  ig 

the  Delaware.  No  hope  was  left  but  in 
the  prefence  of  Washington.  It  pleaf- 
ed  God  that  he  (till  lived ;  and  he  was, 
perhaps,  the  only  man  who  did  not  dei- 
pair.  If  he  had  tumultuous  paffions,  if 
fame  was  dearer  to  him  than  his  life, 
what  a  conflict  was  here !  What  a  victo- 
ry over  himfelf  !  Whifperings  and  mur- 
murings  ;  imputations  of  unfkilfulnefs, 
of  cowardice,  and,  it  may  be,  of  unfaith- 
fulnefs,  were  infinitely  harder  to  bear, 
than  to  fight.  Thefe  required  a  fortitude 
fuperior  to  what  was  neceflary  to  meet 
death  in  any  fhape.  To  endure  thefe 
fhowed  real  greatnefs.  Saul  the  firft  king 
of  Ifrael,  after  his  defeat  at  Mount  Gil- 
boa,  flew  himfelf  with  his  own  fword ; 
but  Saul  fell  below  Washington  in 
every  thing,  except  the  towering  fize  of 
his  perfon.* 

*  Saul  "  was  higher  than  any  of  the  people,  from  his  fhoulders 
"  and  upward."  Washington  was  fall  fix  feet  and  half  an  inch  in 
ftature.  The  hiftorians  and  orators  have  generally  mentioned  his  per- 
fonal appearance.  "  His  perfonal  appearance  is  noble  and  engaging.'* 
Gordon's  Hiftory.  "  His  perion  was  confiderably  above  the  middle 
"  fize,  but  of  a  dignified  and  graceful  form."     Strong's  Difcourfs. 


A  FUNERAL 


The  American  Chief,  having  col- 
lected a  little  ftrength,  braving  the  win- 
try waves  and  fkies,  recroffes  the  Dela- 
ware, and  like  an  angry  lion?  chafed  by 
the  huntfmen,  fprings  upon  the  foe,  and 
thofe  who  flee  not  perifh  by  his  ftroke. 
A  far-famed  hero  marches  at  the  head  of 
numerous  and  veteran  troops,  but  arriv- 
ing near  night,  wraits  only  the  next  dawn 
to  revenge  the  havoc.    Let  us  be  thank- 
ful that  the  American  army  was  at  this 
time  fo  weak  ;  for  had  there  been  any 
thing  like  an  equality  to  the  enemy,  or 
the  moft  diftant  profpedt  of  fuccefs,  the 
morning  fun  had  flione  upon  fields  of 
carnage  and  blood.    Washington  di- 
reeling  fires  to  be  kindled  in  the  night, 
and  to  be  kept  conftantly  burning,  led 
his  army  by  a  circuitous  road ;  and  his 
cannon  at  Princeton  firft  awaked  the 
drowfy  Britons  whom  he  had  left.  The 

■  His  form  was  noble — His  port  majeftic."  Morris's  Oration.  "  Moun- 
"  tain  air,  abundant  excrcife  in  the  open  country — the  wholefome  toils 
"  of  the  chafe,  and  the  delightful  fcenes  of  rural  life,  expanded  his  limbs 
"  to  an  unufual  but  graceful  and  well  proportioned  fize."  Ramfay \ 
Kiftory. 


EULOGY. 


21 


frozen  clod  was  flamed  on  the  march  with 
blood  from  the  naked  feet  of  his  men.* 
There  was  obtained  another,  though 
a  dear  bought  vidiory.  There  Hazelet 
and  Mercer  fell,  two  thunderbolts  of  war. 
Mercer  !  Let  me  lift  the  mantle  from  thy 
mangled  body ! — Covered  with  wounds 
like  Casfar  in  the  Senate-houfe  ! — Alas, 
not  Cafar  now,  but  Brutus  fell  ! 

We  find  in  General  Washington 
a  mind  capable  of  planning  and  execut- 
ing great  enterprifes.  u  The  world," 
fays  an  hiflorian,  "  has  been  miftaken  in 
"  one  opinion  refpecling  his  Excellency, 
H  whofe  natural  temper  poflefTes  more  of 
"  the  Marcdlus  and  lefs  of  the  Fabius  than 
"  has  been  generally  imagined."  f  We 
are  afTured  that  he  meditated  defigns 
which  the  refources  of  the  country  would 

*  Dr.  Ramfay  in  his  hiftory  mentions  the  fame  circumftance  as  hap- 
pening on  another  occafion.  "  The  American  Army,"  fays  he,  "  might 
W  have  been  tracked,  by  the  blood  of  their  feet,  in  marching  without 
u  {hoes  or  ftockings  over  the  hard  frozen  ground,  between  Whitemarlh. 
f*  and  Valley-Fcrge." 

f  Gordon, 


22 


A  FUNERAL 


not  admit  of  being  carried  into  effect ; 
and  whenever  his  force  promifed  the  leafl 
impreffion,  we  fee  hirn  either  boldly  re- 
ceiving the  enemy,  or  advancing  to  attack 
them.  Witnefs  the  battles  of  Brandy- 
wine,  of  Germantown  and  of  Monmouth. 
In  thefe  places,  as  well  as  at  Haerlem  and 
Princeton,  he  expofed  himfelf  to  the  thick- 
eft  dangers,  and  courted  a  glorious  death. 
A  fwell  of  paffions  had  nearly  burft  his 
manly  breaft.  He  faw  vidlory,  but  had 
not  the  means  to  obtain  it ;  he  had  victo- 
ry, and  it  was  fuddenly  fnatched  from 
his  grafp.  * 

At  length  God  interpofed  for  his  re- 

*  When  the  enemy  landed  upon  New- York  ifland,  the  Americans 
fled  before  an  inferior  force.  General  Wafhington  rode  up  and  at- 
tcmptad,  in  vain,  to  rally  them.  This  "  raifed  a  tempeft  in  his  ufually 
"  tranquil  mind.  He  hazarded  his  perfon  for  fome  confiderable  time  in 
<c  rear  of  his  own  men,  and  in  front  of  the  enemy.  His  aids  and  the 
n  confidential  friends  around  his  perfon,  by  indirect  violence,  compelled 
"  him  to  retire.  At  Princeton,  when  the  centre  of  the  Americans,  be- 
*•  ing  brifkly  charged,  gave  way,  he  placed  himfelf  between  his  own 
"  men  and  the  Britifh,  with  his  horfe's  head  fronting  the  latter.  The 
c<  Americans,  encouraged  by  his  example  and  exhortations,  made  a  ftand 
*  and  returned  the  Britifh  fire.  The  General,  though  between  both 
"  parties,  was  providentially  uninjured  by  either."   Ramfay's  Hifiory. 


EULOGY.  2$ 

lief,  and  enabled  him  to  contend  upon 
equal  terms.  Affifted  by  a  fleet  and  fome 
brave  legions  from  France,  he  plans  the 
capture  of  York  Town  in  Virginia, 
marches  thither  the  allied  army,  and  by 
one  bold  and  decifive  effort  accomplishes 
the  deliverance  of  his  country.  The 
Britifli  hero,  who  had  marked  him  as  an 
eafy  prey  at  Trenton,  finds  now  his  num- 
bers, his  Ikill  and  his  bravery  unavailing  ; 
he  capitulates  at  the  cannon's  mouth,  and 
lays  all  his  trophies  at  the  feet  of  Wash- 
ington. How  applicable  to  our  hero, 
are  thefe  lines  ! 

4t  So  when  an  angel  by  divine  command 
u  With  rifing  tempefts  makes  a  guilty  land, 
%i  Such  as  of  late  o'er  pale  Britannia  paft, 
"  Calm  and  ferene  he  drives  the  furious  blafl ; 
u  And  pleas'd  the  Almighty's  orders  to  perform, 
4t  Rides  in  the  whirlwind  and  directs  the  ftorm."  * 

As  General  Washington,  like 
Cincinnatus,  left  his  retirement  and 
the  purfuits  of  agriculture  merely  for  the 
fervice  of  his  country,  fo  when  his  work 


*  AdUifon's  Campaign. 


24  A  FUNERAL 


was  finiflied,  he  returned  with  the  moft 
heart-felt  fatisfaciion.   He  reckoned  him- 
felf  overpaid  for  all  his  labours  and  hard- 
ships.   How  fweet  this  abode  of  reft  and 
peace  after  the  toil  and  din  of  arms  ! 
How  far  fuperior  his  fame  to  that  of 
Alexander  or  Caefar  I    They  fought  for 
the  fake  of  conqueft,  and  to  enflave  man- 
kind ;  he,  in  defence  of  their  juft  rights, 
and  to  make  them  happy.   They,  for  per- 
fonal  aggrandizement ;  he,  for  the  beft 
good  of  others.    Csefar  ufurped  the  fu- 
preme  dominion  of  the  State;  Washing- 
ton returned  to  the  ftation  of  a  private 
citizen.    Hear  his  words  at  the  refigna- 
tion  of  his  commifEon  to  Congrefs  !  "  I 
"  confider  it  as  an  indifpenfable  duty  to 
"  clofe  this  laft  folemn  act  of  my  official 
"  life,  by  commending  the  interefls  of 
M  our  deareft  country  to  the  protection  of 
"  Almighty  God,  and  thofe  who  have 
"  the  fuperintendence  of  them  to  his  holy 
"  keeping. 

"Having  now  finiflied  the  work 


EULOGY.  25 

"  affigned  me,  I  retire  from  the  great 
"  theatre  of  action ;  and  bidding  an  af- 
"  fe&ionate  farewell  to  this  auguft  body, 
"  under  whofe  orders  I  have  long  acted, 
"  I  here  offer  my  commiffion,  and  take 
"  my  leave  of  all  the  employments  of 
"  public  life."  So  he  wifhed  and  natu- 
rally thought,  but  he  had  not  yet  finifli- 
ed  all  the  work  which  God  had  affigned 
him.  In  entering  again  upon  public  life 
he  is  influenced  by  the  fame  modefty  and 
difinterefted  motives.  He  does  not  thruft 
himfelf  forward  to  view,  but  fubmits  to 
the  claim,  and  obeys  the  loud  call  of  his 
fellow-citizens.  He  declines,  as  former- 
ly, any  compenfation  for  his  fervices. 
In  this  way  he  evinces  true  patriotifm, 
difarms  envy,  and  enhances  univerfal 
efteem. 

When  he  retired  from  the  command 
of  the  army,  every  one  fuppofed  that  he 
had  attained  to  the  pinnacle  of  greatnefs, 
and  would  recline  in  fafety  the  remainder 
of  his  days  beneath  a  {hade  of  laurels  at 

D 


26  A  FUNERAL 

Mount  Vernon ;  but  we  behold  him  re- 
nouncing his  retirement,  and  putting  all 
his  fame  at  rifk.  This  was,  perhaps,  the 
moft  magnanimous  action  of  his  life,  and 
eclipfed  even  his  military  luftre.  By  firfl 
aflifting  in  framing  a  government,  the 
bleffings  of  which  we  now  enjoy,  and 
then  giving  liability  and  energy  to  that 
government,  by  accepting  the  office  of 
Chief  Magiftrate  at  two  different  times, 
he  fecured  to  his  country  all  the  confe- 
quences  expected  from  the  revolution. 
No  man  can  conceive  the  magnanimity 
of  this  conduct,  but  he  who  approach- 
es in  fome  meafure  to  the  greatnefs  of 
Washington. 

During  the  time  which  elapfed  be- 
tween his  firft  military  exploits  and  the 
revolutionary  war,  he  had  been  attentive 
to  the  fcience  of  government  and  em- 
ployed in  affairs  of  State.  The  bufinefs 
therefore  was  not  altogether  new  to  him. 
He  had  befides  the  moft  excellent  judg- 
ment, the  moft  confummate  prudence, 


EULOGY.  27 

and  knew  better  than  any  man  how  to 
make  the  information  and  experience  of 
others  his  own.  He  comprehended,  he 
feparated,  he  combined,  he  weighed,  he 
decided,  and  his  decifion  was  ever  wife 
and  unfhaken. 

The  queftion  will  be  agitated  by  pos- 
terity, Whether  he  was  the  greater  gene- 
ral or  ftatefman  ?  Thofe  who  read  his 
official  letters,  his  addreffes  when  he  re- 
tired from  the  Army,  and  from  the  Pre- 
lidency  ;  and  who  are  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  his  adminiflration,  will  be 
inclined  to  pronounce  in  favor  of  the  lat- 
ter. Thofe  who  have  not  duly  confidered 
thefe,  and  more  narrowly  furvey  his  dif- 
ficulties and  fuccefs  in  war,  will  be  in- 
clined to  pronounce  in  favor  of  the  for- 
mer. The  controverfy  can  be  fettled  only 
by  admitting  that  he  was  "  firft  in  war, 
"  and  firft  in  peace." 

Under  his  adminiflration  the  offices 
of  government  were  filled  by  the  firft 


28  A  FUNERAL 


talents  which  could  be  found ;  or  the 
beft  which  the  economy  of  the  govern- 
ment could  command  ;  and,  let  it  not  be 
deemed  too  bold,  by  fome  of  the  greateft 
talents  in  the  world.  Under  his  admi- 
niftration,  America  was  profperous  and 
happy.  It  was  impoffible  that  the  ex- 
pectations of  all  could  be  gratified,  and 
the  opinions  of  all  followed.  The  feafon 
was  peculiarly  tempeftuous,  and  the  rocks 
many  and  dangerous.  The  pilot  was  wife 
and  firm,  having  always  in  view,  as  his 
pole-ftar,  the  public  good.  When  we  con- 
fider  the  information  wrhich  is  necefTary 
to  judge  of  public  meafures,  the  claming 
of  the  interefts  of  men,  and  the  fatal  in- 
fluence of  prejudice  and  pamon  on  their 
minds,  we  are  aflonifhed  at  his  unfpotted 
fame. 

How  modefl  and  beautiful  are  his 
words  in  that  precious  legacy  which  he 
left  us  at  his  refignation  !  u  Though  in 
<c  reviewing  the  incidents  of  my  admini- 
"  ftration,  I  am  unconfcious  of  intention- 


EULOGY 


29 


"  al  error ;  I  am  neverthelefs  too  fenfible 
"  of  my  defe&s,  not  to  think  it  probable 
w  that  I  may  have  committed  many  er- 
"  rors.    Whatever  they  may  be,  I  fer- 
"  vently  befeech  the  Almighty  to  avert 
"  or  mitigate  the  evils  to  which  they  may 
a  tend.    I  mail  alfo  carry  with  me  the 
"  hope  that  my  country  will  never  ceafe 
"  to  view  them  with  indulgence  ;  and 
"  that  after  forty-five  years  of  my  life 
"  dedicated  to  its  fervice,  with  an  upright 
"  zeal,  the  faults  of  incompetent  abilities 
"  will  be  configned  to  oblivion,  as  my- 
"  felf  muft  foon  be  to  the  manfions  of 
"  reft." — Who,  on  hearing  thefe  words,  is 
not  tempted  to  exclaim,  Washington, 
live  for  ever !— His  fame,  indeed,  is  im- 
mortal.   Pofterity  will  fee  with  rapture, 
fculptured  on  his  tomb,  wifdom,  liberty, 
and  juftice. 

Another  time  he  retires  with  the  be- 
nediction of  millions.  Eight  years  he 
wielded  the  fword,  eight  years  he  held 
the  reins  of  government,     The  ftormy 


A  FUNERAL 


fea  was  pailed,  and  he  refigns  the  helm 
to  other  hands.  If  defire  always  prompt- 
ed, increafing  age  feemed  to  render  it  ne- 
ceflary  that  he  ftiould  feek  repofe.  Or, 
was  it  that  he  might  enforce,  by  his 
example,  the  virtues  and  duties  of  a  pri- 
vate life  ?  That  he  might  teach  us  in- 
duflry,  temperance,  charity,  and  econo- 
my ?  To  be  affedlionate  hufbands  and 
tender  matters  ?  That  on  the  faithful 
performance  each  one  of  his  feveral  ref- 
lations, depends  perfonal  and  public  hap- 
pinefs  ? — Whom  do  we  fee  in  yonder 
fields  near  the  waters  of  the  Potowmac, 
furrounded  by  a  group  of  labourers  ?  It 
is  the  late  illuftrious  Commander  of  the 
armies,  and  the  late  Chief  Magiftrate  of 
the  United  States,  How  auguft  the  Ipec- 
tacle  !  Citizens  of  America,  venerate  the 
fickle  and  the  plough,  for  they  have  been 
dignified  not  only  by  the  heroes  and  pa- 
triarchs of  old,  but  by  the  Father  of 
your  country  !  , 

Though  naturally  referved,  yet  he 


EULOGY. 


was  not  haughty.  Though  thofe  who 
approached  him  felt  his  fuperiority,  yet 
he  did  not  afiume.  He  blended  dignity 
and  condefcenfion.  The  greateft  and  the 
fmalleft  objedts  received  from  him  a  due 
attention.  He  never  betrayed  any  fymp- 
toms  of  vain  glory.  When  he  was  once 
afked,  whether  he  had  ever  faid,  as  was 
reported,  "  that  he  knew  no  mufic  fo 
<c  plealing  as  the  whittling  of  bullets,"  he 
anfwered,  "  If  I  faid  fo,  it  was  when  I 
41  was  young."  *  Learning  to  eftimate 
juftly  all  human  glory,  and  matured  by 
experience ;  accuftomed  to  lofty  concep- 
tions, and  moving  always  in  the  impor- 
tant fpheres  of  life ;  imprefTed  with  a 
fenfe  that  he  derived  all  from  God,  and 
that  all  mould  be  devoted  to  his  fervice ; 
his  deportment  was  noble,  equally  re- 
moved from  the  fupercilious  and  the 
vain.  Some  men  have  been  great  at  one 
time,  and  defpicable  at  another ;  fome 
men  have  performed  a  fmgle  great  ac- 


*' Gordon'*  Hiflory. 


32 


A  FUNERAL 


tion,  and  never  rofe  to  the  like  again ; 
but  to  him  great  actions  feemed  common. 
Some  men  have  appeared  great  at  the 
head  of  armies,  or  when  furrounded  by 
the  trappings  of  power,  and  little  when 
ftripped  of  thefe,  and  alone ;  fome  men 
have  withftood  the  ftorms  of  adverfity, 
and  been  melted  by  the  funihine  of 
profperity  ;  fome  men  have  poffelfed 
fplendid  public  talents,  and  difgraced 
thefe  by  fordid  private  vices ;  but  it 
is  difficult  to  determine  when  and  where 
Washington  {hone  the  brighteft.  It 
can  only  be  faid,  that  he  was  uniformly 
great. 

One  part  of  his  characler  remains  to 
be  mentioned,  and  which  crowns  the 
whole ;  that  is  his  reverence  for  the  fab- 
bath,  his  acknowledgment  of  a  Provi- 
dence, and  his  attendance  upon  the  in- 
fcitutions  of  religion.  In  all  his  public 
documents  God  is  honored ;  after  deli- 
verances or  victories,  thankfgivings  were 
by  his  order  offered  ;]  and  it  is  well 


EULOGY. 


33 


known  that  he  invariably  attended  divine 
worfhip.  The  foolifh  and  wicked  cant 
of  exalting  human  reafon,  and  afcribing 
all  to  fortune,  received  from  him  no 
countenance.  Neither  in  the  parade  of 
military  life,  nor  in  the  cares  of  civil 
adminiflration ;  neither  in  a  (late  of 
depreffion,  nor  amidft  the  intoxicating 
fweets  of  power  and  adulation ;  did  he 
forget  to  pay  homage  to  "  the  Most 
"  High  who  doeth  according  to  his  will 
<c  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the 
"  inhabitants  of  the  earth."  It  is  not 
wholly  improbable  that  the  fate  of  the 
unhappy  Braddock  who,  it  is  faid,  ex- 
prelfed  himfelf  in  a  boafting  and  profane 
manner,  left  on  the  mind  of  young 
Washington  an  indelible  impreffion. 
"  Thus  faith  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wile 
"  man  glory  in  his  wifdom,  neither  let 
"  the  mighty  man  glory  in  his  might,  let 
"  not  the  rich  man  glory  in  his  riches : 
"  But  let  him  that  glorieth,  glory  in  this, 
u  that  he  underftandeth  and  knowcth 
"  me,  that  I  am  the  Lord  which  exercife 


34  A  FUNERAL 

"  loving-kindnefs,  judgment  and  right- 
"  eoufhefs,  in  the  earth."  * 

Hear  the  teftimony  which  Washing- 
ton bore  for  religion  on  his  resignation 
of  the  Chief  Magiftracy !  "  Of  all  the 
"  difpofitions  and  habits  which  lead  to 
"  political  prosperity,  religion  and  moral- 
"  ity  are  indiipenfable  fupports.  In  vain 
"  would  that  man  claim  the  tribute  of 
"  patriotifm,  who  fliould  labour  to  fub- 
"  vert  thefe  great  pillars  of  human  hap- 
"  pinefs,  thefe  firmeft  props  of  the  duties 
"  of  men  and  citizens.  The  mere  politi- 
"  cian  equally  with  the  pious  man  ought 
"  to  refpect  and  to  cherifli  them.  A  vo- 
"  lume  could  not  trace  all  their  connexions 
"  with  private  and  public  felicity."  In- 
comparable man !  He  devoted  his  time, 
his  talents,  and  his  labours  to  our  fervice ; 
and  he  hath  left  his  advice,  and  his  ex- 
ample to  us,  and  to  all  generations  ! 

There  was  in  him  that  affemblage  of 

*  Jer.  ix.,  23,  34. 


EULOGY.  35 

qualities  which  conftitutes  real  great- 
nefs ;  and  thefe  qualities  were  remarka- 
bly adapted  to  the  confpicuous  part  which 
he  was  called  to  perform.  He  was  not 
tinfel,  but  gold  ;  not  a  pebble,  but  a  dia- 
mond ;  not  a  meteor,  but  a  fun.  Were 
he  compared  with  the  fages  and  the  heroes 
of  antiquity,  he  would  gain  by  the  com- 
parifon ;  or  rather,  he  would  be  found  to 
be  free  from  the  blemifhes,  and  to  unite 
the  excellencies  of  them  all.  Like  Fabius 
he  wTas  prudent;  like  Hannibal  he  wras 
unappalled  by  difficulties  ;  like  Cyrus  he 
conciliated  afFedtion ;  like  Cimon  he  was 
frugal ;  like  Scipio  he  was  chafte ;  like 
Philopemeti  he  was  humble  ;  and  like 
Pompey  he  was  fuccefsful.  If  we  com- 
pare him  with  characters  in  the  facred 
records,  he  combined  the  exploits  of 
Mofes  and  Jofhua,  not  only  by  conduct- 
ing us  fafely  acrofs  the  Pved  Sea  and 
through  the  wildernefs,  but  by  bringing 
us  into  the  promifed  land  ;  like  David  he 
conquered  an  infulting  Goliath,  and  rofe 
to  the  higheft  honors  from  a  humble 


36  A  FUNERAL 

ftation  ;  like  Hezekiah  he  ruled  ;  and  like 
Jofiah  at  his  death,  there  is  a  mourning 
"  as  the  mourning  of  Hadadrimmon  in 
"  the  valley  of  Megiddon."  Nor  is  the 
mourning  confined  to  us,  but  extends  to 
all  the  wife  and  the  good  who  ever  heard 
of  his  name.  The  Generals  whom  he 
oppofed  will  wrap  their  hilts  in  black, 
and  ftern  Cornwallis  drop  a  tear. 

He  was  honored  even  in  death.  After 
all  his  fatigues,  and  though  he  had  arrived 
near  to  the  limit  fixed  for  human  life,*  yet 
his  underftanding  was  not  impaired,  nor 
his  frame  wafted  by  any  lingering  difeafe. 
We  did  not  hear  of  his  ficknefs,  until  we 
heard  that  he  was  no  more.    His  accept- 
ance of  the  office  of  Lieutenant-General 
of  the  armies  is  a  proof  that  "  Save  my 
u  country,  Heaven,"  was  his  laft.  "What 
would  have  been  to  moft  men  the  me- 
ridian of  glory,  was  the  fetting  fun  of 

*  He  was  born  Feb.  22d,  1732 ;  accepted  the  command"of  the  Ame- 
rican army,  June  i6th,  1775,  in  the  44th  year  of  his  age  ;  and  died  I}ec, 
14th,  1799,  in  the  68th  year  of  his  age. 


EULOGY.  37 

Washington.  With  an  increafed  orb, 
its  parting  rays  paint  the  clouds  with 
brighteft  colours,  and  illumine  all  the 
mountain  tops. — In  the  full  pofleffion  of 
his  reafon,  and  without  fear  of  death, 
which  he  had  often  faced  in  the  field,  he 
breathed  his  mighty  foul  into  the  hands 
of  his  almighty  and  merciful  Creator. 

Hark  ! — A  mefTage  from  the  tomb  ! — 

<c  Citizens  of  America," 

"  You  are  aiTembled  to  exprefs  your 
<c  gratitude  for  fer vices  which  you  be- 
"  lieve  to  have  been  rendered  by  me,  and 
If  to  teftify  your  forrow  for  my  death. 
"  Next  to  the  teftimony  of  a  good  con- 
"  fcience,  it  was  ever  the  fummit  of  my 
"  wiflies  to  deferve  well  of  my  country. 
"  But,  let  your  gratitude  afcend  to  Him 
"  who  fafhioned  me  as  I  was,  who  kept 
"  me  under  his  holy  protection,  and  who 
"  hath,  in  his  fovereign  will,  recalled  me 
"  from  the  earth.  My  career  was  much 
"  longer  than  might  have  been  expected. 


38  A  FUNERAL 


"  It  was  anxious ;  it  was  laborious  ;  it  was 
"  wearifome — I  now  reft. 

"  Let  the  love  you  bore  me,  the  con- 
V  fidence  you  were  pleafed  always  to  re- 
"  pofe  in  me,  and  the  regard  you  now 
"  profefs  for  my  memory,  be  ftiown  in 
"  following  thofe  admonitions  which  I 
"  have  given  you,  and  which  I  endea- 
w  voured  to  enforce  by  my  own  example. 
"  Banifh  party  intereft  and  party  fjpirit. 
"  Suffer  no  foreign  influence  to  affedl 
M  your  councils.  Give  fupport  and  ftabi- 
**  lity  to  your  government.  Honor  and 
!*  reward  your  public  officers.  Pay  the 
"  ftridleft  attention  to  the  injunctions  of 
46  religion  and  morality.  Then,  under 
"  the  propitious  fmiles  of  Heaven,  you 
"  will  long  be  a  flourifhing  and  happy 
"  people." 

Thus,  methinks,  our  dcceafed  Father 
addreffes  vis  this  day. 

In  the  eighteenth  century  have  flou- 


EULOGY.  39 

rifhed  a  number  of  the  moft  eminent 
philofophers,  hiftorians,  orators,  poets, 
patriots,  and  ftatefmen ;  the  clofe  of  it 
has  been  eventful  and  aftonifhing  beyond 
all  precedent.  In  the  end  of  the  fifteenth 
century,  Columbus  difcovered  this  new- 
world  •  in  the  end  of  the  eighteenth, 
Washington  arofe  to  give  Columbia 
independence  and  rank  among  the  na- 
tions. To  the  luftre  of  fo  many  names, 
and  to  a  period  of  fuch  wonderful  events, 
he  joins  his  blaze.  Memorable  aera  !  The 
age  of  great  men,  the  age  of  extraordinary 
revolutions,  the  age  of  Washington  ! 

He  outlived  many  of  his  compatriots. 
Warren  fell  an  early  martyr.  Hardy 
Putnam,  brave  Stirling^  active  Sullivan, 
patriotic  M'Dougall,  incorruptible  Reed* 
Wayne,  chief  of  Stony-Point,  Thomas, 
Naft,  Woofler,  Spencer,  Thompfon,  Cadwal- 

*  This  gentleman,  when  a  large  bribe  was  indireclly  offered  him, 
anfwered,  "  I  am  not  worth  purchafing,  but  fuch  as  I  am  the  king  of 
"  Great-Britain  is  not  rich  enough  to  do  it."  Ramfay's  and  Gordon's 
HiftwMfc 


40 


A  FUNERAL 


lader,  Mifflin,  have  all  bowed  to  death. 
Undaunted  Smallwood  and  Morgan,  But- 
ler furprifed  by  a  favage  foe  and  brave  in 
death;  Steuben  bred  in  European  camps, 
ikilled  in  military  difcipline,  an  adopted 
and  favorite  fon,  born  alike  to  form  the 
battle's  dread  array,  and  grace  the  feftive 
board ;  De  Kalb,  Pulajki,  Scammel,  Arm- 
Jlrong,  Parfons,  Gift,  Poor,  Maxwell,  Wil- 
liams,  Glover,  Herkimer,  Stark^  Varnum, 

Woodford  "  How  are  the  mighty 

"  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of  war  perifli- 
"  ed  !M*  Montgomery's  career  was 

*  This  enumeration  is  not  pretended  to  be  complete ;  and  it  was  im- 
poflible  to  give  every  one  his  due  praife.  Only  General  Officers  arc 
mentioned,  of  whom  nine  were  flain  in  the  field.  Thofe  who  contribut- 
ed to  the  revolution  by  their  councils  are  omitted  ;  of  whom  there  is  a 
long  and  venerable  lift.  Praife  to  living  characters  is  purpofely  avoided. 
Death  will  ftamp  their  value,  and  pofterity  duly  eftimate  their  merits. 

In  this  lift,  it  would  be  needlefs  to  fay  to  thofe  who  knew  him,  that 
Armstrong  combined  in  a  high  degree,  the  great  and  amiable  quali- 
ties. His  age,  and  other  circumftances  prevented  his  taking  a  large  and 
confpicuous  part  in  the  American  war ;  but  he  had  the  confidence  of 
Washington;  and  like  him,  gave  proofs  of  a  military  fpirit  at  an 
early  period.  He  conducted  the  expedition  againft  the  Kittanlng  an 
Indian  town,  and  was  highly  honored  by  the  Proprietaries  of  Pennfylva- 
nia  for  his  gallant  behaviour.  On  this  occafion  he  and  Mercer  were 
both  wounded.  He  had  a  principal  fhare  either  in  advifing  or  directing 
all  ihe  fubfecment  expeditions.  He  commanded  the  Penriylvania  militia 


EULOGY. 


fhort,  but  glorious.  On  Abram's  plains 
he  found  with  Wolfe  a  deathlefs  fame. 
Greene  the  great  compeer  and  friend 
of  Washington  furvived  the  war,  but 
lived  not  to  enjoy  its  fruits  under  a  well- 
balanced  government.  He  too  fought 
the  made,  and  cultivated  the  arts  of 
peace,  after  obtaining  a  fame  everlafting 
as  the  high  hills  of  Santee^  and  pure  as 
the  Eutaw  fprings. 

"  In  hours  of  peace  content  to  be  unknown, 

"  And  only  in  the  field  of  battle  mown : 

u  To  fouls  like  thefe  in  mutual  friendfhip  join'd, 

u  Heav'n  dares  entruft  the  caufe  of  human  kind."  * 

Why  mould  I  mention  others  ?  Or  why 
have  I  mentioned  thefe  ?  Our  griefs  are 
all  abforbed  in  thee,  O  Washington  ! — 
There  is  not  fuch  another  to  die — Few 

at  the  battle  of  Gc rmantown ;  and  it  is  a  fact  not  generally  known 
that  the  fort  on  Sullivan's  ifland,  S.  C.  would  have  been  evacuated  as 
indefenfible  had  it  not  been  for  him  and  the  brave  Col.  Moultrie.  His 
chief  glory,  however,  was  that  he  "  fought  the  good  fight  of  faith," 
and  is  gone  with  the  famous  Col.  Gardiner,  whom  he  greatly  refcmbled, 
to  receive  an  immortal  crown. 


•  Addifon's  Campaign. 
F 


A  FUNERAL 


fuch  have  ever  exiited  in  any  age — The 
world  leffened  when  he  died — 

"  Death,  ere  thou  haft  kill'd  another 
"  Wife,  and  great,  and  good  as  he, 
"  Time  mail  throw  a  dart  at  thee."  * 

Ye  Cincinnati,  his  companions  ia 
arms,  and  fharers  in  his  glory,  what 
fcenes  does  this  day  bring  to  your  re- 
membrance !  In  imagination  you  fuffer 
all  the  toils,  and  fight  the  battles  over 
again.  Before  you  moves  the  majeftic 
and  graceful  man ;  graceful  when  he 
fteps,  more  graceful  when  he  mounts  the 
prancing  fteed.  Serene  at  all  times,  moft 
ferene  in  misfortunes  and  danger.  The 
cares  of  America  appear  on  his  brow, 
and  he  wears  her  defence  by  his  fide. 
Ah !  had  he  been  captured  by  the  enemy, 
your  gleamy  fwords  would  have  been 
drawn  for  his  refcue.  Or,  had  he  been 
expofed  in  the  front  of  battle,  you  would 
have  fiiielded  him  with  your  own  bodies; 
and  had  he  fallen,  a  thoufand  vidlims 
had  avenged  his  death.    Againft  natural 

*  An  Epitaph,  of  Ben  Johnfon's  altered* 


EULOGY.-  43 

death  you  could  interpofc  no  fliicld  - 
Seek  not  to  reftrain  your  tears — 'Tis 
foldierlike  now  to  weep — True  courage 
and  fenfibility  are  intimately  connected — 
Your  general,  your  father,    and  your 

friend  is — no  more  The  laft  time  he 

and  his  band  of  brothers  were  all  toge- 
ther, you  followed  him  with  penfive 
countenances  to  the  banks  of  the  Hud- 
fon,  and  on  his  entering  the  barge  he 
turned  towards  you,  and  by  waving  his 
hat,  bade  you  a  filent  adieu.     He  now 

bids  you  an  adieu  for  ever. — Imitate 

him  in  his  love  of  country,  in  all  his  pri- 
vate and  public  virtues ;  and  then  like  him, 
you  will  live  beloved,  and  die  lamented. 

Come,  ye  fair  daughters  of  America, 
weep  for  Washington.  He  faved  your 
parents,  friends,  and  lovers.  Come,  min- 
gle your  tears  with  the  adored  partner  of 

his  cares  and  joys  at  Mount  Vernon  

•* 

Come  all,  and  take  a  laft  look.  Many 
of  you  remember  his  triumphant  entry 


44        A     FUNERAL  Sec. 


into  this  city  after  the  evacuation,  and 
what  pleafure  then  fwelled  your  bofoms. 
You  remember  his  fecond  entry  when  he 
accepted  the  Prefidenc  of  the  United 
States.  You  prefTed  to  fee  him.  To  the 
Officer  of  the  guard  appointed  to  attend 
him  on  his  landing  he  laid,  "  My  guard 
"  is  the  affecflion  of  my  fellow-citizens." 
There,  indeed,  he  reigned  without  con- 
trol. There,  indeed,  he  had  a  fecurity, 
and  a  teftiftiony  of  his  worth,  more  valu- 
able and  durable  than  the  pomp  and  pow- 
er of  kings  can  afford.  There  he  will  live 
while  there  remains  one  of  the  prefent 
generation  ;  and  the  faithful  hiftorian  will 
hand  down  his  fame  to  the  lateft  ages. 
The  name  of  Washington  will  be  re- 
vered while  the  American  empire  en- 
dures ;  yea,  until  this  globe  itfelf  be  wrapt 
in  the  lafl  fires,  and  the  angel  fhall  "  fwear 
"  by  him  that  liveth  for  ever  and  ever, 
"  that  time  fliall  be  no  longer." 


FINIS. 


[Copy -t  ight  fecurej."] 


